The European fisheries sector called on Monday 14 March for emergency measures in response to the crisis caused by the effects of the war provoked by Russia in Ukraine at a meeting with the European Commissioner for Environment and Oceans, Virginijus Sinkevičius.
The sector, represented by Europêche and the European Association of Fisheries Producer Organisations (EAPO), has asked the European Commission to adopt measures, such as:
- the use of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to compensate operators for additional costs (increase in diesel prices);
- aid to fishers who have to stop their activities temporarily;
- support for producer organisations for the temporary storage of fisheries products.
Likewise, the sector requested to increase the aid within the State aid framework up to 300,000-500,000 per vessel and greater flexibility in the carry-over of quotas from one year to the next (25% instead of 10%).
The sector calls for additional measures in coordination with EU Member States, such as the reduction of social security contributions, the suspension of fish auction taxes, an extension period for ‘Covid-19’ loans or a suspension/reduction of VAT on fish and shellfish. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)